A charity official has said one parent families are scrimping on their food and energy bills as inflation mounts.
Niamh Kelly is the policy manager of One Family, Ireland's national organisation for one parent families. She said that single parents are struggling more than ever due to inflation and called on the government to introduce targeted supports for affected families.
One Family offers practical advice and support to lone parents. Although the group wants to focus on the strength and resilience of one parent families on Single Parents Day, Niamh said that the lack of current supports must be highlighted.
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She told Dublin Live: "We’re certainly seeing parents struggle and we’re getting feedback that people are exclusively shopping in the just about to go off aisle. Things have really worsened since last year and we are now providing things like food hampers, which wouldn't be the norm for our group."
Almost a quarter of all family units in Ireland are headed by a single parent. Niamh explained that government policy needs to reflect the unique needs of this demographic and provide separate supports tailored to their needs.
Niamh added: "Simple things like allowing parents on the working families payment access to the fuel allowance would have been a big help. We're going to push for targeted measures at the next budget- while any support is welcome, we don't feel like there's value in giving all families an additional bonus, when there are some that don't need the money."
One Family is hoping to promote Single Parents Day for the rest of the week. The group also helps single parents determine what supports are available to them, which Niamh said isn't always made clear from government.
She said that parents are cutting down on their food and energy consumption in order to pay for commodities such as rent. She explained that one parent families are also cutting back on extra curricular activities for their kids, which affects their social wellbeing.
Niamh added: "Families can’t scrimp on housing costs and they can’t save on things like rent. The things that are discretionary in the family budget are turning off the heat or not buying as much food, as well as social activities."
One Family also provides parents with free counselling and other support services. Further information on the charity's work is available on their website.
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